By Faith Hakesley
Pride Month can be an upsetting and even triggering month for people. Take a deep breath and know that you are going to be okay. Rest assured, you will get through the rest of June. Know that you are not alone. This month is a struggle to get through for a lot of people. Resisting Pride is possible, and this week I have some tips for getting through Pride Month. You just might even reclaim the rainbow while you’re at it!
Whether you were someone previously immersed in the LGBTQ lifestyle, someone who suffered abuse and so are affected by the often-promiscuous displays showcasing “Pride,” or a parent wanting to shield their children, June can be a difficult month to get through. Sure, we see signs of LGBTQ ideals just about everywhere and at any time of the year these days, but by and large they are more “in your face” during June.
Personally, I find this month difficult for a few reasons. As a Catholic, I want to love my brothers and sisters in Christ but also strive to do so without tolerating sin. I am also a mother and so want to shield my children. As a survivor of rape, the shameless displays of sex and disordered lifestyles are quite triggering for me. When you have experienced perversion of the body and sex as I have, symbols of “Pride” and the promiscuity and indecency showcased so boldly and unashamedly (especially during June) can be quite triggering.
Supporting Survivors of Pride
Many people find Pride Month particularly upsetting for other reasons. I am especially talking about individuals who were once immersed in the LGBTQ culture and fought hard to get out of it. They have survived and overcome. These individuals deserve the care and support they need in order to heal. If you have a friend or loved one in this position, be sure to check in on them especially during June. Reaffirm their brave decision to get out of that lifestyle. Make sure they are coping okay and have the resources they need.
Some Tips for Getting Through Pride Month
Whether you are a survivor of sexual abuse, a parent concerned for your children, or just plain fed up with the LGBTQ movement’s agenda, here are some ideas for getting through Pride Month:
-Stay off social media and the news as much as you can. While driving through town can be annoying enough what-with all the rainbow flags, you’re going to get hit with a whole lot more junk online.
-Stay away from public libraries. Pride displays are just about everywhere but they can be especially prevalent in public libraries. Upon walking in, you’re hit with book displays showcasing Pride even in the children’s department.
-Focus on family and fellowship with like-minded people who support you. You should be doing this anyway, but it is especially important when you need additional support.
-Practice grounding techniques. Knowing your triggers and how to combat them is important. Prepare yourself for potential triggers ahead of time. Grounding techniques can be helpful and there is lots of information about them online. They use any or all of your five senses to get you through difficult moments. Some examples are going for a walk, taking deep breaths, touching an item, rubbing your hands together, savoring a food or smell, etc. Essentially, the goal is to help bring you (your thoughts) into the present moment.
Practice: write down some safe, healthy activities that you enjoy doing. Pull out the list whenever you are having a difficult moment and choose one to do. You can even keep the list in a prominent place as a reminder.
-Get help if you need it. Seek out the help of a reputable therapist and/or spiritual advisor. Both can be very beneficial even during the best of times. Please never be ashamed to seek out help!
-Avoid unhealthy coping mechanisms. When trying to numb our pain, it can be tempting to things such as alcohol, drugs, an overabundance of sugar and food, etc. Focus instead on creating new, healthier ways of coping. Some examples include exercise, travel, writing, gardening, etc.
-Practice good self-care. Be sure you are eating enough nutritious foods, finding time to exercise, drinking enough water, and doing whatever other healthy things you need to do in order to care for your physical, mental, and spiritual health.
-Pray and meditate often. Prayer has spiritual benefits of course but it can also be a great grounding tool. Consider making prayer a regular part of your everyday life. Know that Our Lord died for you out of love, and He is always there for you!
Counter Pride with Humility
Since June is a month of “pride” for the LGBTQ community, try countering it with the opposite virtue – humility. For example, Catholics celebrate the Sacred Heart of Jesus during June in a special way. What better person to teach us true humility than the Son of God! Focus on the love of Jesus, the love He has for each and every one of us. This includes the individuals carrying their crosses of same-sex attraction, gender identity issues, etc. Humble yourself enough to acknowledge the struggles of other people whether you have ever been in their shoes or not. Pray for them. Consider fasting and offering sacrifices for those who are deeply offending God.
Practice: Pray often, “Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like unto Thine.”
Reclaim the Rainbow
June is a great time to evangelize by speaking the truth in love. This can happen through our words and actions or even by our silence. Depending on the situation, silence can speak volumes. The example you set can show the kind of love that Jesus displayed, the kind that is nothing like the “Pride” kind. Despite our differences, we can still show kindness, compassion, love, and respect to people supporting LGBTQ.
Consider sharing the true meaning of the rainbow, a symbol that has been misappropriated by the Pride movement. In the book of Genesis, we read that the rainbow was sent by God after the flood. It was meant to be a sign of His hope and mercy. The rainbow symbolizes God’s love, faithfulness, grace, and glory for ALL. There is hope of redemption for all of us, including people in the LGBTQ movement. If we humbly come before Our Lord and ask for forgiveness, He will show us mercy. This is a message worth sharing!
Even if you are feeling distressed, overwhelmed, and inundated with unwelcome reminders during this month, take heart and keep going. You are not alone, and you will get through this!
How do you cope with Pride Month or with the LGBTQ agenda in general? Is there anything you would add to the list? I would love to hear from you! You can email me at AskASurvivor@RuthInstitute.org or leave a comment!